QUIZ GT107

Shear Strength of Soil

Lucas Montogue

► PROBLEMS

PROBLEM 1
Derive a general formula that gives the value of the major principal stress
𝜎𝜎1 as a function of the minor principal stress 𝜎𝜎3 , the cohesion c, and the angle of
internal friction 𝜙𝜙.

PROBLEM 2
A sample of saturated clay is subjected to an unconfined compression
test. The sample fails at a pressure of 40 kPa (that is to say, its unconfined
compression strength is 𝑞𝑞𝑢𝑢 = 40 kPa). Determine the soil’s undrained shear
strength.
A) 𝑠𝑠𝑢𝑢 = 10 kPa
B) 𝑠𝑠𝑢𝑢 = 20 kPa
C) 𝑠𝑠𝑢𝑢 = 30 kPa
D) 𝑠𝑠𝑢𝑢 = 40 kPa

PROBLEM 3
An unconfined compression test was carried out on a saturated clay
sample. The maximum (peak) loading the clay sustained was 134 N and the
vertical displacement was 3.8 mm. The size of the sample was 38 mm diameter ×
76 mm long. Determine the undrained shear strength.
A) 𝑠𝑠𝑢𝑢 = 28.5 kPa
B) 𝑠𝑠𝑢𝑢 = 47.4 kPa
C) 𝑠𝑠𝑢𝑢 = 56.3 kPa
D) 𝑠𝑠𝑢𝑢 = 75.2 kPa

PROBLEM 4
Direct shear tests were conducted on a dry sand. The samples used in the
tests had a square base area of 2 in. × 2 in. and a height of 0.75 in. The test results
are provided below. Determine the shear strength parameters c’ and 𝜙𝜙′.

Normal Load Shear Force

Test No.
(lb) at Failure (lb)
1 15 12
2 20 18
3 30 23
4 60 47
5 120 93
A) 𝑐𝑐′ = 0 and 𝜙𝜙′ = 26.8o
B) 𝑐𝑐′ = 0 and 𝜙𝜙′ = 37.9o
C) 𝑐𝑐′ = 539.6 lb/ft2 and 𝜙𝜙′ = 26.8o
D) 𝑐𝑐′ = 539.6 lb/ft2 and 𝜙𝜙′ = 37.9o

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PROBLEM 5
A triaxial test was performed on a dry, cohesionless soil under a confining
pressure of 144.0 kN/m2. If the sample failed when the deviator stress reached
395.8 kN/m2, determine the soil’s angle of internal friction.
A) 𝜙𝜙′ = 10.7o
B) 𝜙𝜙′ = 17.6o
C) 𝜙𝜙′ = 26.5o
D) 𝜙𝜙′ = 35.4o

PROBLEM 6
The relationship between the relative density Dr and the angle of friction
𝜙𝜙′ of a sand can be given as 𝜙𝜙′ = 28 + 0.18Dr (Dr in %). A drained triaxial test was
conducted on the same sand with a chamber-confining pressure of 150 kN/m2.
The sand sample was prepared at a relative density of 68%. Calculate the major
principal stress at failure.
A) 𝜎𝜎1′ = 300 kPa
B) 𝜎𝜎1′ = 400 kPa
C) 𝜎𝜎1′ = 500 kPa
D) 𝜎𝜎1′ = 600 kPa

PROBLEM 7
Data obtained from a drained triaxial test are as follows. Determine the
drained shear strength parameters c’ and 𝜙𝜙′.

Minor Princ. Deviator Stress

Test No.
Stress (kPa) at Peak (kPa)
1 50 191
2 100 226
3 150 261

A) 𝑐𝑐′ = 35 kPa and 𝜙𝜙′ = 15o

B) 𝑐𝑐′ = 35 kPa and 𝜙𝜙′ = 30o
C) 𝑐𝑐′ = 70 kPa and 𝜙𝜙′ = 15o
D) 𝑐𝑐′ = 70 kPa and 𝜙𝜙′ = 30o

PROBLEM 8
A consolidated-undrained triaxial test was conducted on a normally
consolidated clay. The results were a minor principal stress 𝜎𝜎3′ = 276 kN/m2 and a
deviatoric stress Δ𝜎𝜎𝑑𝑑 = 276 kN/m2 at failure. Determine the normal stress and the
shear stress on the failure plane.
A) 𝜎𝜎𝑓𝑓′ = 367.7 kPa and 𝜏𝜏𝑓𝑓 = 130.0 kPa
B) 𝜎𝜎𝑓𝑓′ = 367.7 kPa and 𝜏𝜏𝑓𝑓 = 225.0 kPa
C) 𝜎𝜎𝑓𝑓′ = 478.8 kPa and 𝜏𝜏𝑓𝑓 = 130.0 kPa
D) 𝜎𝜎𝑓𝑓′ = 478.8 kPa and 𝜏𝜏𝑓𝑓 = 130.0 kPa

PROBLEM 9
The shear strength of a normally consolidated soil can be given by the
equation 𝜏𝜏𝑓𝑓 = 𝜎𝜎 ′ tan 27o . The results of a consolidated-undrained test on the soil
were: chamber-confining pressure = 150 kN/m2 and deviator stress at failure = 120
kN/m2. Determine the consolidated-undrained friction angle and the porewater
pressure developed in the specimen at failure.
A) 𝜙𝜙 = 16.6o and u = 0
B) 𝜙𝜙 = 16.6o and u = 77.7 kN/m2
C) 𝜙𝜙 = 27.0o and u = 0
D) 𝜙𝜙 = 27.0o and u = 77.7 kN/m2

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PROBLEM 10A
The results of three consolidated-undrained triaxial tests on identical
specimens of a particular soil are given below. Determine the shear strength
parameters related to the total stresses.

Minor Princ. Deviator Stress

Test No. u at Peak (kPa)
Stess (kPa) at Peak (kPa)
1 200 244 55
2 300 314 107
3 400 384 159

A) 𝑐𝑐 = 20 kPa and 𝜙𝜙 = 15o

B) 𝑐𝑐 = 20 kPa and 𝜙𝜙 = 30o
C) 𝑐𝑐 = 40 kPa and 𝜙𝜙 = 15o
D) 𝑐𝑐 = 40 kPa and 𝜙𝜙 = 30o

PROBLEM 10b
Using the data from the previous part, calculate the shear strength
parameters related to the effective stresses.
A) 𝑐𝑐′ = 10 kPa and 𝜙𝜙′ = 12o
B) 𝑐𝑐′ = 10 kPa and 𝜙𝜙′ = 25o
C) 𝑐𝑐′ = 20 kPa and 𝜙𝜙′ = 12o
D) 𝑐𝑐′ = 20 kPa and 𝜙𝜙′ = 25o

PROBLEM 11
In an in-situ vane test on a saturated clay a torque of 35 N∙m is required to
shear the soil. The vane is 50 mm wide and 100 mm long. What is the undrained
shear strength of the clay?
A) 𝑐𝑐𝑢𝑢 = 50 kPa
B) 𝑐𝑐𝑢𝑢 = 61 kPa
C) 𝑐𝑐𝑢𝑢 = 76 kPa
D) 𝑐𝑐𝑢𝑢 = 88 kPa

PROBLEM 12
An engineer is evaluating the stability of the slope in the figure below, and
considers that the potential for a shear failure occurs along the shear surface
shown. The soil has an angle 𝜙𝜙′ = 30o and no cohesive strength. Compute the
shear strength 𝜏𝜏1 at point A along this surface when the groundwater table is at
level B, then compute the new shear strength 𝜏𝜏2 if it rises to level C. What is the
absolute value of the difference (𝜏𝜏2 − 𝜏𝜏1 )? The unit weight of the soil is 120 lb/ft2
above the WT and 123 lb/ft3 below.

A) |𝜏𝜏2 − 𝜏𝜏1 | = 200.8 lb/ft2

B) |𝜏𝜏2 − 𝜏𝜏1 | = 305.8 lb/ft2
C) |𝜏𝜏2 − 𝜏𝜏1 | = 411.5 lb/ft2
D) |𝜏𝜏2 − 𝜏𝜏1 | = 515.5 lb/ft2

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PROBLEM 13 (Craig, 2004, w/ permission)
In a triaxial test a soil specimen was consolidated under an all-round
pressure of 800 kN/m2 and a back pressure of 400 kN/m2. Thereafter, under
undrained conditions, the all-round pressure was raised to 900 kN/m2, resulting in
a water pressure reading of 495 kN/m2; then (with the all-round pressure
remaining at 900 kN/m2), an axial load was applied to give a principal stress
difference of 585 kN/m2 and a porewater pressure reading of 660 kN/m2. Calculate
the values of pore pressure coefficients 𝐴𝐴̅ and 𝐵𝐵�.
A) 𝐴𝐴̅ = 0.14 and 𝐵𝐵� = 0.19
B) 𝐴𝐴̅ = 0.14 and 𝐵𝐵� = 0.38
C) 𝐴𝐴̅ = 0.28 and 𝐵𝐵� = 0.19
D) 𝐴𝐴̅ = 0.28 and 𝐵𝐵� = 0.38

PROBLEM 14A
The following results were obtained from the undrained triaxial test on a
compacted soil sample using a pressure of 300 kPa. Before the application of the
cell pressure, the porewater pressure within the sample was zero. Determine the
value of the pore coefficient B and state whether the soil was saturated or not.

Strain (%) 𝜎𝜎1 (kPa) 𝑢𝑢 (kPa)

0.0 300 120
2.5 500 150
5.0 720 150
7.5 920 120
10.0 1050 80
15.0 1200 10
20.0 1250 –6

A) 𝐵𝐵 = 0.4 and the soil was not saturated.

B) 𝐵𝐵 = 0.6 and the soil was not saturated.
C) 𝐵𝐵 = 0.8 and the soil was not saturated.
D) 𝐵𝐵 = 1.0 and the soil was saturated.

PROBLEM 14B
Plot the variation of pore pressure coefficient A with strain.

► SOLUTIONS

P.1 ■ Solution
Consider a hypothetical Mohr-Coulomb failure envelope and an
accompanying stress circle. Although the tensional region of the envelope is of
little importance in the mechanical behavior of soils, we show it as well to assess
the geometry of the figure.

The failure envelope is fgh, and follows the equation 𝜏𝜏𝑓𝑓 = 𝑐𝑐 ′ + 𝜎𝜎 ′ tan 𝜙𝜙.The
radial line ab defines the major principal plane, and the radial line ad defines the
failure plane. It can be shown that the angle 𝑏𝑏𝑎𝑎�𝑑𝑑 = 2𝜃𝜃 = 90 + 𝜙𝜙′ or, equivalently,
𝜃𝜃 = 45o + 𝜙𝜙′⁄2. (We take advantage of this result in some of the following

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problems). From the same figure, elementary trigonometry allows us to write
sin 𝜙𝜙′ = �𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎
���⁄𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓
���� , where

σ 1′ + σ 3′
fa = fO + Oa = c′ cot φ +
2

and

σ 1′ − σ 3′
ad =
2

Thus,

σ 1′ − σ 3′
sin φ ′ = 2
σ 1′ + σ 3′
c′ cot φ ′ +
2

which becomes

 1 + sin φ ′   cos φ ′ 
=σ 1′ σ 3′   + 2c′  
 1 − sin φ ′   1 − sin φ ′ 

However, in view of the trigonometric identities

1 + sin φ ′  φ′ 
= tan 2  45o + 
1 − sin φ ′  2
cos φ ′  φ′ 
= tan  45o + 
1 − sin φ ′  2

we can substitute into the previous expression and ultimately obtain

 φ′   φ′ 
=σ 1′ σ 3′ tan 2  45o +  + 2c′ tan  45o + 
 2  2

We thus have a general relationship for the major principal stress as a

function of minor principal stress, cohesion, and the internal friction angle of the
soil. Although we have considered effective stresses all the while, a similar
relationship could have been derived for principal stresses, namely,

 φ  φ
=σ 1 σ 3 tan 2  45o +  + 2c tan  45o + 
 2  2

P.2 ■ Solution
The unconfined compression test is a special type of compression test in
which no radial stress is applied to the sample (𝜎𝜎3 = 0). Consequently, the test is
only suitable for soils capable of standing by themselves without lateral support,
i.e., cohesive soils. It is also commonly employed in rock mechanics practice.
Ordinarily, the principal stresses and cohesion would be related by

φ  φ 
σ 1 σ 3 tan 2  + 45o  + 2c tan  + 45o 
=
2  2 
In a UC test, however, we can apply the simplifications 𝜎𝜎3 = 0 and 𝜙𝜙 = 0.
Then, the equation above simplifies to

φ  φ 
=σ 1 σ 3 tan 2  + 45o  + 2c tan  + 45o 
2   2
=1

∴σ 1 =
2c

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 σ
∴c = 1
2
q
∴ su =u
2
where we have made the substitutions 𝑐𝑐 = 𝑠𝑠𝑢𝑢 and 𝜎𝜎1 = 𝑞𝑞𝑢𝑢 ; the first is because the
concept of undrained cohesion is equivalent to that of undrained shear strength,
so 𝑐𝑐 = 𝑠𝑠𝑢𝑢 , and the latter is proposed because the normal stress at which a soil
sample fails in the UC test is the so-called unconfined compressive strength, qu.
We now have a straightforward relationship between unconfined compressive
strength, su, and qu. Substituting qu = 40 kPa gives

40
su
= = 20 kPa
2
► The correct answer is B.

P.3 ■ Solution
Since this is a UC test, 𝜎𝜎3 = 0 and (𝜎𝜎1 )𝑝𝑝 is the principal stress at failure. The
initial base area of the sample is Ao, namely,

π × ( 38 ×10−3 )
2
π D02
A0
= = = 1.13 ×10−3 m 2
4 4
The vertical strain 𝜀𝜀1 is, in turn,

∆z 3.8
ε1
= = = 0.05
H 0 76

The final area A of the specimen then follows as

A0 1.13 ×10−3
A
= = = 1.19 ×10−3 m 2
1 − ε1 1 − 0.05

The major principal stress at failure is given by the ratio of the peak
loading, Pz = 134 N, to the specimen base area, A; that is,

Pz 134
(σ 1 )=p = = 112.6 kPa
A 1.19 ×10−3
Finally, the undrained shear strength is

(σ 1 ) f − (σ 3 ) f (σ 1 ) f 112.6
su = = = = 56.3 kPa
2 2 2
► The correct answer is C.

P.4 ■ Solution
Since the soil is a sand, it goes without saying that c’ = 0 and,
consequently, the failure envelope will begin at the origin of the 𝜎𝜎𝜎𝜎-plane. The
cross-section area of the specimen is (2⁄12) × (2⁄12) = 0.0278 ft2; dividing the
normal loads and the shear forces at failure by this area yields the corresponding
stresses, as shown below.

Normal Load Shear Force Normal Stress Shear Stress

Test No.
(lb) at Failure (lb) (lb/ft²) at Failure (lb/ft²)
1 15 12 539.6 432.0
2 20 18 720.0 648.0
3 30 23 1080.0 828.0
4 60 47 2160.0 1692.0
5 120 93 4320.0 3348.0

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 The abscissae are the normal stresses, taken from the blue column above,
while the ordinates are the shear stresses at failure, taken from the red column.
The line can be obtained in Mathematica by means of the Fit function. The
resulting function for the envelope is 𝑦𝑦 = 0.779𝑥𝑥, which corresponds to a friction
angle 𝜙𝜙 ′ = arctan(0.779) = 37.9o.

► The correct answer is B.

P.5 ■ Solution
To obtain the major principal stress, we resort to the equation for deviator
stress,

∆σ d =
σ1 − σ 3 → σ1 =
∆σ d + σ 3

Substituting Δ𝜎𝜎𝑑𝑑 = 395.8 kN/m2 and 𝜎𝜎3 = 144 kN/m2 gives

σ 1 = 395.8 + 144= 539.8 kPa

To draw the Mohr circle, we note that, from left to right, its first intercept
with the horizontal axis is 𝜎𝜎3 , whereas the second is 𝜎𝜎1 . The radius of the circle is
(𝜎𝜎1 − 𝜎𝜎3 )/2. To obtain the friction angle, we then draw a tangent to the circle; since
the soil is cohesionless, we have c’ = 0 and the tangent begins at the origin, as
shown. The inclination of this tangent is the friction angle we seek, i.e., 𝜙𝜙′ = 35.4o.

The problem can also be solved analytically, using the relation between
principal stresses developed in Problem 1,

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  φ′   φ′  2 φ′ 
=σ 1′ σ 3′ tan 2  45o +  + 2c′ tan  45o + =  → σ 1′ σ 3′ tan  45 + 
o

 2  2  2

 φ′ 
539.8 144 tan 2  45o + 
∴=
 2
 φ′ 
= tan 2  45o + 
∴ 3.75
 2
 φ′ 
∴ tan  45o +  = 1.94
 2
φ′
∴ 45o + 62.7 o
=
2
∴ φ′ =
35.4o

► The correct answer is C.

P.6 ■ Solution
The angle of friction can be determined with the relation we were given,

φ ′ = 28 + 0.18Dr = 28 + 0.18 × 68 = 40.2o

Then, the major principal stress at failure follows from the equation

σ 1′ − σ 3′ σ ′ − 150
sin φ ′ = → sin 40.2o = 1
σ 1′ + σ 3′ σ 1′ + 150

where we have substituted the chamber-confining pressure 𝜎𝜎3′ = 150 kPa. Solving
for 𝜎𝜎1′ gives

o σ 1′ − 150
sin 40.2
= 0.60
=
σ 1′ + 150
∴ 0.60σ 1′ + 90 = σ 1′ − 150
0.40σ 1′
∴ 240 =
240
∴σ 1=′ = 600 kPa
0.40
► The correct answer is D.

P.7 ■ Solution
Consider test 1. For a drained test, 𝜎𝜎3′ = 𝜎𝜎3 = 50 kPa. The major principal
stress can be determined from the deviatoric stress, i.e., 𝜎𝜎1 = 𝜎𝜎3 + Δ𝜎𝜎𝑑𝑑 = 50 + 191 =
241 kPa. The first of Mohr’s circles can then be obtained. Proceeding similarly, we
have 𝜎𝜎1 = 326 kPa and 𝜎𝜎3 = 100 kPa for test 2, 𝜎𝜎1 = 411 kPa and 𝜎𝜎3 = 150 kPa for test
3. The Mohr’s circles are drawn below, along with the failure envelope.

We thus obtain shear strength parameters c’ = 70 kPa and 𝜙𝜙′ = 15o.

► The correct answer is C.

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P.8 ■ Solution
For a normally consolidated soil in a consolidated-drained triaxial test, the
effective major and minor principal stresses at failure are

′ σ=
σ=
3 3 276 kPa
σ 1′= σ 1= σ 3 + ( ∆σ d ) f = 276 + 276= 552 kPa

The friction angle can be computed with the following equation,

σ 1′ − σ 3′ 552 − 276
sin φ= → sin φ= = 0.333
σ 1′ + σ 3′ 552 + 276

=∴φ arcsin
= 0.333 19.5o

The inclination of the failure plane with respect to the horizontal is related
to 𝜙𝜙 by the expression

φ 19.5o
α = 45 + = 45 +
o o
= 54.8o
2 2
In plane stress theory, the normal and shear stresses at the failure plane
are, respectively,

σ 1′ + σ 3′ σ 1′ − σ 3′
σ ′f
= + cos 2α
2 2
σ 1′ − σ 3′
τf = sin 2α
2
Substituting 𝜎𝜎1′ = 276 kN/m2, 𝜎𝜎3′ = 552 kN/m2, and 𝛼𝛼 = 54.8o gives

552 + 276 552 − 276

σ
= ′f + cos ( 2 × 54.8
= ) 367.7 kPa
2 2
552 − 276
=τf sin (=
2 × 54.8 ) 130.0 kPa
2
► The correct answer is A.

P.9 ■ Solution
The chamber-confining pressure corresponds to the minor principal
stress, i.e., 𝜎𝜎3 = 150 kN/m2, and the major principal stress can be determined with
the deviatoric stress Δ𝜎𝜎𝑑𝑑 ,

∆σ d = σ 1 − σ 3
∴σ=
1 σ 3 + ∆σ d= 150 + 120= 270 kPa

Since the clay is normally consolidated, the cohesion c’ = 0. Applying this

simplification, the relation between the principal stresses simplifies to

 φ
=σ 1 σ 3 tan 2  45o +  (I)
 2

Substituting 𝜎𝜎1 = 270 kPa and 𝜎𝜎3 = 150 kPa, we can solve for the friction
angle 𝜙𝜙,

 φ  φ
=σ 1 σ 3 tan 2  45o + =→ 270 150 tan 2  45o + 
 2  2
 φ
∴
=1.8 tan 2  45o + 
 2

 φ
∴ tan  45o +  =
1.34
 2

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 φ
∴ 45o + 53.3o
=
2
∴φ =
16.6o

In order to compute the porewater pressure at failure, u, we must rewrite

equation (I) in terms of effective stresses,

 φ′  φ′ 
σ 1′ = σ 3′ tan 2  45o +  → (σ 1 − u ) = (σ 3 − u ) tan 2  45o + 
 2  2

Substituting 𝜎𝜎1 = 270 kPa, 𝜎𝜎3 = 150 kPa, and 𝜙𝜙′ = 16.6º, only one unknown
remains,

φ′  2 16.6o 
(σ 1 − u ) = (σ 3 − u ) tan 2  45o +  → (270 − u ) = (150 − u ) × tan  45 o
+ 
 2   2 
 
=1.80

∴ ( 270 − u )= (150 − u ) ×1.80

∴ 270 − u= 270 − 1.80u

0
∴u=

That is, the porewater pressure developed in the specimen is zero.

► The correct answer is A.

P.10 ■ Solution
Part A: The total stresses can be obtained with the data in the second and
third columns only. The minor principal stresses are the data contained on the
first column themselves, while the major principal stresses are obtained from the
deviator stress. For test 1, for example, we have

∆σ d =
σ1 − σ 3 → σ1 =
∆σ d + σ 3 =
244 + 200 =
444 kPa

Proceeding similarly with tests 2 and 3, we obtain the data shown in the
next table.

Test No. 𝜎𝜎1 (kPa) 𝜎𝜎3 (kPa)

1 444 200
2 614 300
3 784 400

The corresponding Mohr’s circles are shown as the dotted lines (see the
end of the next part). The failure parameters are found to be c = 40 kPa and 𝜙𝜙 =
15o.

► The correct answer is C.

Part B: The principal stresses can be determined from the second, third,
and fourth columns. The minor effective principal stress for test 1, for example, is

σ 3′ = σ 3 − u = 200 − 55 = 145 kPa

while the major principal stress is obtained from the deviatoric stress,

σ1 − σ 3 =
244
∴σ 1 = 244 + σ 3 = 244 + 200 = 444 kPa

or, in terms of effective stresses,

σ 1′ = σ 1 − u = 444 − 55 = 389 kPa

Equipped with 𝜎𝜎1′ and 𝜎𝜎3′ , we can determine Mohr’s circle for test 1.
Proceeding similarly with tests 2 and 3, we obtain the values shown. The circles
are illustrated as the solid lines below.

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 Test No. 𝜎𝜎1′ (kPa) 𝜎𝜎3′ (kPa)
1 389 145
2 507 193
3 625 241

The effective failure parameters are found to be c’ = 10 kPa and 𝜙𝜙′ = 25o.

► The correct answer is B.

P.11 ■ Solution
The torque required to produce shear failure is given by

d d 2
=T π hdcu + 2 ∫ 2π rdrcu r
2 0

d 2h d 2
∴T π cu
= + 4π cu ∫ r 2 dr
2 0

 d 2h d 3 
∴T π cu 
= + 
 2 6 

Substituting the available data gives

 52 ×10 53 
=35 π cu  +  ×10−3
 2 6

76 kN/m 2
∴ cu =

► The correct answer is C.

P.12 ■ Solution
When the groundwater table is at B, the porewater pressure is

u = γ w zw = 62.4 × 20 = 1248 lb ft 2

The vertical stress at A, in turn, is

(σ z′ )1 =Σγ H − u =120 × (12 + 14 ) + 123 × 20 − 1248 =4332 lb ft 2

The shear stress at point A follows as

τ1 =σ ′ tan φ ′ =4332 × tan 30o =2501.1 lb ft 2

Suppose, now, that the groundwater table is at C. The new porewater

pressure is

u = γ w zw = 62.4 × ( 20 + 12 ) = 1996.8 lb ft 2

while the normal stress at point A is now

(σ z′ )2 =Σγ H − u =120 ×14 + 123 × ( 20 + 12 ) − 1996.8 =3619.2 lb ft 2

and the corresponding shear is

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 τ 2 = 3619.2 × tan 30o = 2089.6 lb ft 2
Notice that the rise of the groundwater table translates into a decrease in
the shear stress imparted on point A. Finally, the absolute value of the difference
|𝜏𝜏2 − 𝜏𝜏1 | is

τ 2 −=
τ 1 2089.6 − 2501.1
= 411.5 lb ft 2

► The correct answer is C.

P.13 ■ Solution
The total major principal stress increases from 900 to (900 + 585) kN/m2,
with a corresponding increase in pore pressure from 495 to 660 kN/m2. Coefficient
𝐴𝐴̅ is then
∆u1 660 − 495
A
= = = 0.28
∆σ 1 585
The overall increase in pore pressure is from 400 to 660 kN/m2 and
corresponds to an increase in major principal stress from 800 to 800 + (100 + 585)
kN/m2. Accordingly, coefficient 𝐵𝐵� is determined to be

∆u 660 − 400
B
= = = 0.38
∆σ 1 100 + 585

► The correct answer is D.

P.14 ■ Solution
Part A: The B coefficient is the ratio of pore pressure Δ𝑢𝑢𝑎𝑎 to the cell
pressure Δ𝜎𝜎3 . Substituting Δ𝑢𝑢𝑎𝑎 = 120 kPa and Δ𝜎𝜎3 = 300 kPa, we get

∆ua 120
B
= = = 0.4
∆σ 3 300

Consequently, the soil is not saturated.

► The correct answer is A.

Part B: Instead of obtaining A coefficients directly, we propose first

determining coefficient 𝐴𝐴̅ = 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴, where 𝐴𝐴̅ = Δ𝑢𝑢𝑑𝑑 ⁄(Δ𝜎𝜎1 − Δ𝜎𝜎3 ), then establishing the
value A. The following table is prepared.

𝐴𝐴̅
Strain Δ𝑢𝑢𝑑𝑑 (Δ𝜎𝜎1 − Δ𝜎𝜎3 ) 𝐴𝐴̅ 𝐴𝐴 =
𝐵𝐵
[1] [2] [3] [4] = [2] / [3] [5] = [4] / 0.4
2.5 30 200 0.150 0.375
5.0 30 420 0.071 0.179
7.5 0 620 0.000 0.000
10.0 -40 750 -0.053 -0.133
15.0 -110 900 -0.122 -0.306
20.0 -180 950 -0.189 -0.474

Bear in mind that the porewater pressure and principal stress variations
are established with reference to the initial (zero strain) value, not the previous
tabulated value; a common mistake is to compute the variables with respect to
the latter instead of the former. The graph we aim for is a plot of the values in the
fifth (red) column versus the values in the first (blue) column. The following graph
is obtained.

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► ANSWER SUMMARY

Problem 1 Open-ended pb.

Problem 2 B
Problem 3 C
Problem 4 B
Problem 5 D
Problem 6 D
Problem 7 C
Problem 8 A
Problem 9 A
10A C
Problem 10
10B B
Problem 11 C
Problem 12 C
Problem 13 D
14A A
Problem 14
14B Open-ended pb.

► REFERENCES
• AYSEN, A. (2003). Problem Solving in Geotechnical Engineering. Amsterdam:
A.A. Balkema Publishers.
• BUDHU, M. (2011). Soil Mechanics and Foundations. 3rd edition. New York:
John Wiley and Sons.
• CRAIG, R. (2004). Craig’s Soil Mechanics. 7th edition. London: Spon Press.
• DAS, B. and SOBHAN, K. (2014). Principles of Geotechnical Engineering. 8th
edition. Stamford: Cengage Learning.
• MURTHY, V. (2002). Geotechnical Engineering. Boca Raton: CRC Press.
• SMITH, I. (2014). Smith’s Soil Mechanics. 9th edition. Hoboken: Wiley
Blackwell.

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